03/04/2025
Mine Employees Sentenced for Copper Cable Theft
The crackdown on economic infrastructure crimes has led to the conviction and sentencing of seven individuals, including six mine employees from Northam and one individual from Thabazimbi, for copper cable theft.
These crimes, committed in 2023 and 2025, were thoroughly investigated by the Economic Infrastructure Task Team, with Detective Warrant Officer Samuel Temane of Northam Detectives leading the efforts.
At the end of March, the Northam and Thabazimbi courts handed down the following sentences:
Northam Cases:
Bonke Nhinhi (33) – R3,000 fine or 6 months’ imprisonment, wholly suspended for 3 years.
Bonga Mayiliso (35) – R3,000 fine or 6 months’ imprisonment, half suspended for 3 years.
Petro Mothuki (35) – R6,000 fine or 6 months’ imprisonment, half suspended for 3 years. Also cautioned and discharged for an immigration-related offense.
Confort Sitlhangu (33) – R3,000 fine or 6 months’ imprisonment, wholly suspended for 3 years.
Bonga Ntungo (37) – R10,000 fine or 12 months’ imprisonment, wholly suspended for 5 years.
Tlhokomelo Kalatile (30) – R6,000 fine or 6 months’ imprisonment, half suspended for 3 years.
Thabazimbi Case:
Sello Khonothi (32) – Sentenced to 2 years’ imprisonment under Section 276(1)(i) for possession of stolen copper cable and theft.
Authorities continue to clamp down on crimes affecting economic infrastructure, ensuring that offenders face justice.